Greater Cleveland RTA continues Red Line/HealthLine Extension Study

Plans are progressing as the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority narrow down possible extensions into Euclid.
RTA members and consultants working on the Red Line/Health Line Extension Study held a public meeting Tuesday night to explain possible routes and take public comments about the study.
Discussed were different topics such as accessibility and environmental effects, as well as alternative routes that could become a reality for people on the east side of Cleveland.
Nine alternatives, labeled A through I, showed the route, possible stops and type of transit.
The study looked at heavy rail rapid transit (Red Line rapid trains), bus rapid transit (HealthLine bus), Rapid+ (light rail/street car), diesel multiple unit (bus/train that can be operated on freight rail lines), and bus possibilities.
From the nine options presented, four were recommended for further study and analysis. All options will continue from the Windermere station in East Cleveland.
— Alternative B: An extension of the Red Line rapid transit. This would have seven new stations, ending at Babbitt Road and running parallel to Euclid Avenue.
— Alternative D: A bus rapid transit or Rapid+ line that would have 17 new stations, with stops on Lake Shore Boulevard, East 185th Street, Hayden Avenue and St. Clair Avenue.
— Alternative E: A bus rapid transit or Rapid+ line that would have 17 new stations, with stops on Euclid Avenue, East 152nd Street and Lake Shore Boulevard.
— Alternative G: A bus rapid transit or Rapid+ line that would have 18 new stations, with stops on East 152nd Street, St. Clair Avenue, Euclid Avenue, Lake Shore Boulevard and East 185th Street.
Anthony Granto of Euclid said he prefers Alternative B because he is looking for a quick way into Cleveland.
“I want fast,” he said. “I live on the (proposed) line and I want less stops to get downtown, especially to get to Playhouse Square and the art museum.”
Sue Mancino of Wickliffe also preferred Alternative B
“Extend the rapid,” she said.
“The others don’t make sense. If people need service they can just take the bus.”
Further analysis will be conducted on cost-effectiveness and how the alternatives will work in the community.
“We have a plethora of options,” said RTA General Manager and CEO, Joseph Calabrese. “The great news is that here in Cleveland with the RTA, we already have heavy rail, light rail, a nationally renowned BRT system. So it’s not difficult for us to imagine what those options are. But which of those options make sense for this part of the county?”
Another public meeting regarding this project is projected for Spring 2014.For more information about the study, maps of the alternative routes and how to submit comments, visit redlinehealthlinestudy.com.

Advertisement

About the Author

Amy is a proud Baldwin Wallace alumna who enjoys baseball games, music concerts and a good book. Reach the author at apopik@news-herald.com
or follow Amy on Twitter: @AmyPopikNH.